BREAKING: Disu vows to channel officers’ morale to crush insurgency, banditry
The newly appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr Tunji Disu, on Wednesday declared that his foremost priority is to galvanise officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force towards ending
- ... Also zero tolerance for corruption, emphasises public cooperation
- ... As Egbetokun expresses confidence successor will surpass his record
The newly appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr Tunji Disu, on Wednesday declared that his foremost priority is to galvanise officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force towards ending insurgency, banditry and other security challenges confronting the nation.
Speaking to journalists at the State House, Abuja, shortly after being decorated with his new rank by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Disu said while police personnel had been working hard across the country, what was required now was renewed focus and morale.
“Most importantly again, the country is facing a particular problem now; the issue of banditry, insurgency. I know all police officers around have been doing their best, they are hardworking people. All I need to do is to channel their morale and their thoughts to make everything better,” he said.
The 59-year-old police chief described his appointment as both humbling and emotional, saying it came at a time he least expected it.
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“The appointment means a lot to me because I have the love of my profession, the love of the country, and it came at a time I was not expecting it. That makes me give thanks to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his magnanimity to see me fit to be appointed as his Inspector-General of Police,” he said.
According to him, President Tinubu’s public reference to his past assignments and achievements during the decoration ceremony almost moved him to tears.
“It shows the President took his time to monitor officers working everywhere in the country, and it shows the President was throwing a challenge at me to go out there and do what I’m known for, and ensure that I bring peace to the country,” he added.
Disu outlined a reform-focused agenda, stressing that his first engagement with officers would centre on professionalism and public accountability.
Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu decorates Disu as acting IGP at State House
“My top priority, like one of the first lectures I’m going to have with my men, I’m going to talk to them, let them know that the citizens of the country are the boss. It’s very important for them to know that no police anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public,” he said.
He pledged to prioritise officers’ welfare to boost morale and productivity, enforce strict adherence to human rights standards, and operate a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and impunity.
“I will let them know that the era of impunity is over. I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to follow human rights. I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption, and most importantly, drum it into them that we can never succeed without the cooperation of members of the public,” he said.
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Disu’s appointment followed the resignation of his predecessor, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, who formally stepped aside on Tuesday.
Egbetokun, who spoke shortly after Disu was decorated, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him, recalling their long-standing professional relationship dating back to Tinubu’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State.
“I give glory to God that I’m stepping aside today as Inspector-General of Police. My gratitude goes to Mr President for reposing enormous confidence in me,” he said.
He described Disu as a trusted ally and product of deliberate succession planning within the Force.
“I am particularly excited that I am handing over today to someone with whom I share a unique history. We both had the rare privilege of benefiting from the mentorship of Mr President,” he said.
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Egbetokun noted that Disu had been deeply involved in major reforms undertaken during his administration, including intelligence restructuring, improved inter-agency deployment models, and the dismantling of criminal syndicates.
“When Mr President gave the presidential order to withdraw police from VIP protection, it was Tunde Disu I called upon to ensure that the presidential order was given full compliance, and he did it so well,” he said.
Expressing confidence in his successor, Egbetokun added: “I have so much confidence that he would surpass what I have done.”
Before his elevation, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.
He had earlier served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and also headed the Intelligence Response Team.
His appointment, which takes immediate effect, is subject to confirmation by the Senate and consideration by the Nigeria Police Council.
